Search found 356 matches

by vasaver
Mon Mar 11, 2024 10:03 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Two Superfund 529 Questions - Virginia
Replies: 4
Views: 466

Re: Two Superfund 529 Questions - Virginia

Since each investment is a separate account and parents have separate accounts I think for each child you could deduct up to $192,000 in a single tax year.

24 Investment Options x $4,000 = $96,000
$96,000 x 2 Parents = $192,000

Check the rules and confirm with your tax advisor - later on you should be able to rebalance them into the actual portfolio you want.

List of funds - https://www.virginia529.com/invest/inve ... rformance/
by vasaver
Thu Jan 18, 2024 12:30 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Is GEHA the best option if I want an HSA?
Replies: 16
Views: 1323

Re: Is GEHA the best option if I want an HSA?

The GEHA HDHP does a pretty good job for basic dental, covering most preventative (cleanings / xrays) and $20-$30 for fillings. Vision pays $45 for exams, $45 for frames $25-$50 for lenses, and $110 for contacts for out of network. We have added a dental plan for years when the kids have braces.
by vasaver
Fri Dec 08, 2023 7:22 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Used Nissan Leaf S purchase 3rd car for kids
Replies: 13
Views: 2365

Re: Used Nissan Leaf S purchase 3rd car for kids

I have a Gen 1 Leaf S (2015) and it has been great. The Gen 2 S probably still uses the resistance heater (SV/SL have heat pumps) and may not have the heated seats and steering wheel.

You might consider a 19-21 Chevy Bolt for 13k-20k. With the 200+ mile range, thermal management and CCS DC fast charging - it might have more use cases for your family. Many have had the battery replaced and have extended warranties.

The Gen2 Leaf is a great car - with recent price drops, the Bolt might be a better value.
by vasaver
Tue Jul 11, 2023 11:08 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17709

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

One more note - with supply, demand, increasing interest rates and tsunami of EVs coming out. Prices will almost have to drop so inventory doesn't build up. Maybe wait to catch the falling knife?
by vasaver
Tue Jul 11, 2023 10:53 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17709

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

I think the numbers in this post represent the best case scenario. Similar to owning 100% stocks. For me having a Prius is like having bonds - it gives protection on the downside. I like that analogy. For me it would be worth taking more risk with stocks (Tesla) because of the upside (IMO much nicer and more fun). Go for it! Totally agree much nicer and more fun. It sounds like you have already decided and will really enjoy a Tesla. A 2-3k repair (bodywork) could easily be 8-15k on a Tesla. No real 3rd party options for major repairs or parts presents an unknown risk. People travel several hours to get to Service Centers. What sort of repair? On the flip side, what about safety. I think the Model Y is safer (better IIHS ratings, bigger, he...
by vasaver
Tue Jul 11, 2023 9:06 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17709

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

I think the numbers in this post represent the best case scenario. Similar to owning 100% stocks. For me having a Prius is like having bonds - it gives protection on the downside. A 2-3k repair (bodywork) could easily be 8-15k on a Tesla. No real 3rd party options for major repairs or parts presents an unknown risk. People travel several hours to get to Service Centers. If the numbers were really this close - every Uber/Lyft/Cab driver would be buying up all of the Tesla inventory - for some reason they seem to prefer Toyotas, Hondas… Owning 100% stocks should turn out just fine. The 3 fund portfolio portfolio helps minimize the downside. There are many paths to Dublin so enjoy! Would you rather buy a 10 year old Tesla or a 10 year old Toyo...
by vasaver
Thu Jul 06, 2023 11:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates
Replies: 156
Views: 17709

Re: Prius vs Model Y economic estimates

Have you considered looking into a used Nissan Leaf? With a 15-20k capital cost, lower cost tires and insurance - it could be a great affordable option (if you drive less than 100 miles per day for the smaller battery or less than 150 miles for the larger battery.
by vasaver
Thu Jun 29, 2023 11:42 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Avantis ETF Filing Today
Replies: 106
Views: 19725

Re: Avantis ETF Filing Today

For the early adopters are you purchasing AVGV in taxable accounts - or primarily in tax deferred / Roth accounts?
by vasaver
Sat May 20, 2023 10:09 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Total monthly car cost
Replies: 53
Views: 4437

Re: Total monthly car cost

Or you could get her a 2023 Titan Pro 4x ($62k MSRP) for the effective $220 a month. https://forum.leasehackr.com/t/signed-2023-titan-pro-4x-219-month-effective/468970 I have another cheaper lease (MSRP $33k) that cost me just under $300 a month. This is for Toyota Venza hybrid. The fun part is that I can sell this lease now for $5k profit what is very close to what I paid so far for the lease for over two years. My real coat of lease after equity on this one is somewhere close to $100 a month. But I think you are right, leasing is not for everyone. Wow $220/month effective cost is really cheap for that truck! She doesn't need a giant work truck that would cost a fortune in gas, but on a normal car, that would be quite a deal! I didn't rea...
by vasaver
Fri May 19, 2023 8:28 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Total monthly car cost
Replies: 53
Views: 4437

Re: Total monthly car cost

I am all for simplification, but honestly I do not understand what is so hard about accounting for the cost of capital and especially when it can be a very large share of the total cost of ownership. Including the interest cost or finance (lease) cost is fine but above you were promoting figuring out the opportunity cost of paying cash. If you do that, what do you use? The actual return of the S&P during your ownership? The actual return of your portfolio? The actual risk-free rates available presuming that you would have not been fully invested with funds you know you'd need to pay out in the short term? And then to actually figure out the true cost, once you had that figure, you'd then need to net out expenses for alternative transpo...
by vasaver
Thu May 18, 2023 1:12 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Total monthly car cost
Replies: 53
Views: 4437

Re: Total monthly car cost

I am all for simplification, but honestly I do not understand what is so hard about accounting for the cost of capital and especially when it can be a very large share of the total cost of ownership. Including the interest cost or finance (lease) cost is fine but above you were promoting figuring out the opportunity cost of paying cash. If you do that, what do you use? The actual return of the S&P during your ownership? The actual return of your portfolio? The actual risk-free rates available presuming that you would have not been fully invested with funds you know you'd need to pay out in the short term? And then to actually figure out the true cost, once you had that figure, you'd then need to net out expenses for alternative transpo...
by vasaver
Sat Apr 22, 2023 11:25 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: AVUV - difficult to hold
Replies: 185
Views: 18282

Re: AVUV - difficult to hold

I absolutely find the data behind factor investing convincing and believe AVUV is a good product.... but man does it make it difficult to hold, especially in an IRA where there is no tax consequence to dumping it. It seems to be a significant drag on overall portfolio returns for me personally. International has even done better overall. I can see the allure of factor investing but it absolutely tests the commitment of the investor and who knows may never actually yield any excess returns..... Factor investing is a tough game to play. Yesterdaysnews - My best advice is to own funds like AVUV inside of a larger fund of funds (like AVGE or the upcoming AVGV). I have held AVUV and before that funds like RZV in my Roth IRA and it has been pain...
by vasaver
Tue Apr 04, 2023 11:05 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Recharacterization -> Backdoor -> NIA penalty options?
Replies: 2
Views: 433

Re: Roth IRA Recharacterization -> Backdoor -> NIA penalty options?

FiveK wrote: Tue Apr 04, 2023 3:48 am What you recharacterized was the $6K original contribution, that now is treated as if made to a traditional IRA as of the original contribution date.

The $150 is a gain on your original contribution, not an excess contribution. No need for form 5329.

When you convert the $6150 to a Roth IRA, the $150 will be taxable and you should see that on Form 8606 (assuming you have no other money in any non-Roth IRA).
Very clear and detailed explanation - Thank You!
by vasaver
Tue Apr 04, 2023 1:17 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Roth IRA Recharacterization -> Backdoor -> NIA penalty options?
Replies: 2
Views: 433

Roth IRA Recharacterization -> Backdoor -> NIA penalty options?

Hopefully you can help me with the best option.

In 2022 I made a direct Roth IRA contribution of $6,000. I recharacterized $6,150 in in March 2023 to a traditional nondeductible IRA including $150 NIA.

It looks like I should have removed the $150 NIA since it was an overcontribution to the Traditional IRA?

At this point can I remove the excess contribution (from the Roth IRA and then from the Traditional IRA)? Or should I "Carry Forward" the $150 and only contribute $6,350 in 2022 to the Traditional IRA and Backdoor the $6,350 into the Roth IRA and use form 5329?

Thanks!
by vasaver
Sat Apr 01, 2023 1:04 am
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are ETFs Just Plain Superior To Mutual Funds?
Replies: 139
Views: 15861

Re: Are ETFs Just Plain Superior To Mutual Funds?

If you get a chance listen to Eduardo Repetto (Avantis CIO). He goes into much detail on ETF advantages over Mutual funds.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mHaPBk8LPY&t=850s

- Mutual funds need to carry cash for redemptions / or use a credit line.
- ETF purchase and redemptions happen inkind (don't need to deal in cash)
- ETF investors are protected from other shareholders while mutual fund holders are not.
by vasaver
Mon Mar 27, 2023 10:14 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Do I have to get a hybrid?
Replies: 178
Views: 17302

Re: Do I have to get a hybrid?

Another advantage/savings of a hybrid (or maybe just the prius). No Alternator...I have had those go out a few times on other cars and that isn't very fun.
by vasaver
Mon Mar 20, 2023 3:47 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: When to drop full coverage insurance
Replies: 70
Views: 7418

Re: When to drop full coverage insurance

What about rentals? If you drop Comprehensive and Collision - are you self-insuring your rentals as well?
by vasaver
Sat Mar 18, 2023 10:15 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Is the US facing major EV home charging problems?
Replies: 83
Views: 4862

Re: Is the US facing major EV home charging problems?

With a 100 Amp panel you probably could have a 16 Amp 220 Level 2 charger installed with out upgrading it.

We charged via Level 1 for 5 years and just recently upgraded to Level 2. For most people Level 1 is more than enough.

Years ago most houses didn't have a washer/dryer - now most do. Same with indoor plumbing.
by vasaver
Tue Mar 14, 2023 7:46 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance for EVs - really this expensive?
Replies: 73
Views: 7985

Re: Insurance for EVs - really this expensive?

neilpilot wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 7:39 am
vasaver wrote: Tue Mar 14, 2023 7:00 am Interesting - just priced several cars

Current car is 2012 Prius / Married mid 40s / northern Virginia

Annual Increase for new 2023 cars :
  • ID4 + $218
  • EV6 +$274
  • Model 3 +$906
  • Model Y +$982
  • Model S +1126
Gas or Hybrid annual insurance increase for new 2023 cars :
  • Subaru Outback + $36
  • CRV + $78
  • Prius + $154
  • Rav4 + $164
  • Sienna + $184
Would be interesting to see how much more a 2023 Prius ICE, comparable to your 2012, would cost as well.
2023 Prius added above +$154 annually replacing the 2012
by vasaver
Tue Mar 14, 2023 7:00 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Insurance for EVs - really this expensive?
Replies: 73
Views: 7985

Re: Insurance for EVs - really this expensive?

Interesting - just priced several cars

Current car is 2012 Prius / Married mid 40s / northern Virginia

Annual Increase for new 2023 EV cars :
  • ID4 + $218
  • EV6 +$274
  • Model 3 +$906
  • Model Y +$982
  • Model S +1126
Gas or Hybrid annual insurance increase for new 2023 cars :
  • Subaru Outback + $36
  • CRV + $78
  • Prius + $154
  • Rav4 + $164
  • Sienna + $184
by vasaver
Wed Feb 22, 2023 4:07 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: (Another) VUL Ameriprise Post
Replies: 12
Views: 1007

Re: (Another) VUL Ameriprise Post

I am not an expert on these but I thought the gains were taxed as ordinary income and not long term capital gains?
by vasaver
Wed Feb 15, 2023 12:55 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard advisory fees--is this new?
Replies: 9
Views: 1738

Re: Vanguard advisory fees--is this new?

GaryA505 wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:05 am
vasaver wrote: Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:01 am It might have a new name but for awhile with less than 500k you get to call into a group of advisors. Over 500k you have been given a dedicated advisor.
What does this "dedicated advisor" do?
You get to talk to the same person vs whoever picks up. If your advisor isn’t available someone else can help you.
by vasaver
Wed Feb 15, 2023 11:01 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Vanguard advisory fees--is this new?
Replies: 9
Views: 1738

Re: Vanguard advisory fees--is this new?

It might have a new name but for awhile with less than 500k you get to call into a group of advisors. Over 500k you have been given a dedicated advisor.
by vasaver
Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:57 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bloomberg vs WSJ subscription
Replies: 77
Views: 10755

Re: Bloomberg vs WSJ subscription

VictorStarr wrote: Wed Feb 01, 2023 9:51 pm I subscribe to WSJ, they run $4/month offers all the time.
Here is current offer:

https://store.wsj.com/v2/US/US/1130800064
For $6/month you can get the WSJ, Barrons & Marketwatch. Some of the headlines on Barrons/Marketwatch grab my attention but the articles tend to be noise and I prefer the WSJ.

https://store.wsj.com/v2/US/US/1136700010
by vasaver
Wed Feb 01, 2023 1:44 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Virginia529 Global Equity Portfolio
Replies: 3
Views: 317

Re: Virginia529 Global Equity Portfolio

I am using it for some smaller accounts due to limitations within the Virginia 529 plan. Each account in the Virginia 529 has to have a unique attribute and each account can only have 1 investment. Example Account 1 - Parent1 - Child1 - Investment1 (Total US for Example) Account 2 - Parent1 - Child1 - Investment2 (Total International) Account 3 - Parent1 - Child1 - Investment3 (Global Equity) Account 4 - Parent1 - Child1 - Investment4 (Aggressive Growth - Lifestrategy Growth) ... In addition Account 5 - Parent2 - Child1 - Investement1 (Total US) Account 6 - Parent2 - Child1 - Investment2 (Total International)[/list] ... In the above example you can have duplicate investments for other children - for example Child2, Child3.... The reason I h...
by vasaver
Tue Jan 31, 2023 1:36 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver
Replies: 79
Views: 7765

Re: Lowest cost of ownership car for 20k per year driver

Prius, Corolla hybrid, Chevy Bolt?

What do taxi drivers use in your area?
by vasaver
Mon Jan 09, 2023 2:03 pm
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: Monthly Maintenance Fee from Health Equity and thoughts on HSA
Replies: 34
Views: 4077

Re: Monthly Maintenance Fee from Health Equity and thoughts on HSA

I am not sure if Health Equity has this issue. But the monthly fee I had from my old employer's HSA was not a qualified withdrawal. So I had to fill out extra tax forms and pay a penalty. After moving it to Fidelity this problem went away.
by vasaver
Mon Jan 09, 2023 1:23 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Bosch 500 vs 800 Dishwasher
Replies: 36
Views: 7889

Re: Bosch 500 vs 800 Dishwasher

We have an older model Bosch without the InfoLight / Timelight. Check if the ones you are looking at have it - very nice to easily see it is full of clean dishes.
by vasaver
Thu Dec 22, 2022 10:16 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Miniature Plug-In Heaters
Replies: 40
Views: 4078

Re: Miniature Plug-In Heaters

What about something like a Handy Heater?

Image

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Handy-Heater ... V/54245566
by vasaver
Wed Dec 21, 2022 4:26 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: Are 401K's worth it for tax efficient funds?
Replies: 27
Views: 2406

Re: Are 401K's worth it for tax efficient funds?

The taxable account could get a stepup basis one day. Would that make it worthwhile?
by vasaver
Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:17 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another GEHA HDHP labs question
Replies: 8
Views: 817

Re: Another GEHA HDHP labs question

This is from the GEHA HDHP plan brochure - are the specific labs recommended by the USPSTF? The following preventive services are covered at the age and frequency limits recommended at each of the links below, as adopted by December 31, 2020 Preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) with A or B rating, such as: - Lung cancer - Osteoporosis - Depression - Diabetes - High blood pressure - Total blood cholesterol - HIV - Hepatitis C virus infection - Colorectal cancer screening, including fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, FIT DNA - For a complete list of A/B recommended screenings go to the USPSTF website at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/ https://www.geha.com/~/med...
by vasaver
Fri Dec 16, 2022 1:43 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Another GEHA HDHP labs question
Replies: 8
Views: 817

Re: Another GEHA HDHP labs question

This is from the GEHA HDHP plan brochure - are the specific labs recommended by the USPSTF? The following preventive services are covered at the age and frequency limits recommended at each of the links below, as adopted by December 31, 2020 Preventive screenings recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) with A or B rating, such as: - Lung cancer - Osteoporosis - Depression - Diabetes - High blood pressure - Total blood cholesterol - HIV - Hepatitis C virus infection - Colorectal cancer screening, including fecal occult blood test, colonoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, FIT DNA - For a complete list of A/B recommended screenings go to the USPSTF website at https://www.uspreventiveservicestaskforce.org/ https://www.geha.com/~/medi...
by vasaver
Tue Dec 06, 2022 10:43 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Youtube Premium
Replies: 27
Views: 2431

Re: Youtube Premium

Absolutely - just not having ads on youtube makes it worthwhile and all of the music is great. Look at the family plan if others may enjoy the benefits as well.
by vasaver
Fri Nov 25, 2022 1:16 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Average monthly Internet + TV bill
Replies: 100
Views: 9879

Re: Average monthly Internet + TV bill

Jags4186 wrote: Fri Nov 25, 2022 8:06 am OP that’s a good plan. I pay Verizon $39.99 for 100mbps service + $12.xx for modem rental. When AMEX has Verizon offers we load up on gift cards. A few months ago I preloaded $600 worth of Verizon gift cards to my account that only cost me $300. Cut my bill in half for a whole year 😁.
Any reason you are renting the modem? If you have FiOS - Verizon can run Ethernet straight into your house or you can buy a gateway/modem. https://a.co/d/9zkGHx6
by vasaver
Fri Nov 25, 2022 7:57 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Average monthly Internet + TV bill
Replies: 100
Views: 9879

Re: Average monthly Internet + TV bill

XFinity Internet and cable with no premium channels: $165/month. I’d cut the cable tv in favor of streaming, but no one else provides Root Sports which provides coverage for his beloved Gonzaga basketball. Can't you get Root Sports on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream? - https://northwest.rootsports.com/streaming-questions/ "ROOT SPORTS is available on DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV. ROOT SPORTS is not unique in the lack of OTT options. At this time most OTT platforms don’t carry the vast majority of the regional sports networks across the country. DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV are the only ones that carry RSNs broadly and nationally, and they carry almost all of them." I will look into those, thank you. Checkout the other FIOS Pricing plans as we...
by vasaver
Thu Nov 24, 2022 10:06 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Average monthly Internet + TV bill
Replies: 100
Views: 9879

Re: Average monthly Internet + TV bill

Gnirk wrote: Thu Nov 24, 2022 6:57 pm XFinity Internet and cable with no premium channels: $165/month. I’d cut the cable tv in favor of streaming, but no one else provides Root Sports which provides coverage for his beloved Gonzaga basketball.
Can't you get Root Sports on FuboTV or DirecTV Stream? - https://northwest.rootsports.com/streaming-questions/

"ROOT SPORTS is available on DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV. ROOT SPORTS is not unique in the lack of OTT options. At this time most OTT platforms don’t carry the vast majority of the regional sports networks across the country. DIRECTV STREAM and fuboTV are the only ones that carry RSNs broadly and nationally, and they carry almost all of them."
by vasaver
Tue Nov 22, 2022 10:11 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Finally Making the Video Doorbell Plunge - Ring or Blink
Replies: 32
Views: 4811

Re: Finally Making the Video Doorbell Plunge - Ring or Blink

Look at Eufy - No subscription and owned by Anker so not some fly by night company. Local storage works great. They have sales frequently.

Doorbell - https://us.eufy.com/collections/video-doorbell

Wireless Solar Floodlight/Camera - https://us.eufy.com/products/t81241w1 - just installed this and it works great.
by vasaver
Sun Nov 20, 2022 10:27 am
Forum: Personal Investments
Topic: I-bonds, taxable, or 529?
Replies: 11
Views: 1347

Re: I-bonds, taxable, or 529?

I think the 529 would still be worth it...especially since the maximum deductable amount is only $4,722. Easy to rebalance as well. Worst case if they don't use it, let it grow for the grandkids.

Utah has a great plan - also what if the kids want to go out of state?
by vasaver
Sat Nov 05, 2022 4:27 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: pixel 6a - buy now or wait?
Replies: 34
Views: 3415

Re: pixel 6a - buy now or wait?

If you have interest in the Pixel 7 pro - I just ordered this one from mint (with a year of service for $589). They keep restocking inventory and should be available again soon :

https://www.mintmobile.com/product/goog ... ro-bundle/

https://slickdeals.net/f/16145800-alive ... SiteSearch
by vasaver
Thu Oct 27, 2022 12:04 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Advice needed on Car Buying: New Civic 2022 vs Used BMW 320i 2017
Replies: 49
Views: 5057

Re: Advice needed on Car Buying: New Civic 2022 vs Used BMW 320i 2017

helloeveryone wrote: Wed Oct 26, 2022 10:17 pm
finite_difference wrote: Wed Oct 26, 2022 10:05 pm Honda Civic Si?
This was going to be my suggestion. Maybe your heart will guide you towards spending a little more for a 2022 Honda Civic Si?
Or the new Integra? Would be a nice addition to the MDX.
by vasaver
Thu Sep 29, 2022 1:04 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Avantis worldwide ETF with value tilt
Replies: 793
Views: 112470

Re: New Avantis worldwide ETF with value tilt

CletusCaddy wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:46 pm
tj wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:38 pm
CletusCaddy wrote: Thu Sep 29, 2022 12:30 pm 39% of this fund is Value according to Morningstar. Compare that against:
33% for DGEIX (DFA Global Equity I)
26% for VT

In other words this fund is 50% more value tilted than market weight.

I've seen enough. Going all-in with my equities.
Today? Or waiting for more volume?
Just executed six figures worth. More volume wouldn't matter, my assumption is my orders are going straight to the AP who is creating units just for me.

Looking at the order ticket, my order was executed in 500 share blocks. So my assumption is confirmed.
Taxable Account?
by vasaver
Tue Sep 20, 2022 2:25 pm
Forum: Investing - Theory, News & General
Topic: New Avantis worldwide ETF with value tilt
Replies: 793
Views: 112470

Re: New Avantis worldwide ETF with value tilt

I can't seem to find it, but do fund of funds qualify for the foreign tax credit? Also with the REIT / Emerging Market components and proprietary indexes...would this work well for taxable?
by vasaver
Thu Sep 01, 2022 11:08 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: 529: shouldn't we only be worried about keeping the cumulative GAINS under estimated cost of attendance?
Replies: 24
Views: 2064

Re: 529: shouldn't we only be worried about keeping the cumulative GAINS under estimated cost of attendance?

This is exactly why each child should have *MANY* 529 accounts.

Use the accounts with the highest gains first - then if you have to make unqualified withdrawals do that from the accounts with minimal gains.

I think we have like 8 accounts per kid - some with 200% growth and some with loses.
by vasaver
Sun Aug 07, 2022 12:47 am
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950s house - UPDATE 2
Replies: 167
Views: 12590

Re: Please advise on how to cool upstairs in my 1950s house

A few people have mentioned window heat pumps. They are game changing - I spent a decade trying almost everything. These window units are so much quieter than the roll around units or even regular window ACs. Please do yourself a favor and get one of these :

https://soleusair.com/index.php/products/ (38-49dBA)

https://www.midea.com/us/air-conditione ... maw08v1qwt (42dBA)
by vasaver
Sun Aug 07, 2022 12:45 am
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Replies: 41
Views: 4719

Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?

I'm extremely happy with it. It covers standard dental and vision expenses which are the majority of my medical costs. It has a great rewards program to earn money for medical expenses not covered by insurance. The HSA allows you to invest with TD Ameritrade, giving you a decent array of options (although I do wish automatic investment was an option). We were able to setup automatic investing - it just has to be a mutual fund and you have to call in to have it setup. I think the Schwab index funds were the cheapest and you just have to pick the day(s) of the month for auto investing. :sharebeer Is Schwab cheaper than SPTM (State Street S&P Composite Index, 0.03% ER)? I think SPTM is an ETF? - TD Ameritrade only allowed me to do automat...
by vasaver
Thu Aug 04, 2022 8:59 pm
Forum: Personal Finance (Not Investing)
Topic: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?
Replies: 41
Views: 4719

Re: Feds - Is GEHA Still The Best HDHP Option?

raizar29 wrote: Thu Aug 04, 2022 7:16 am I'm extremely happy with it. It covers standard dental and vision expenses which are the majority of my medical costs. It has a great rewards program to earn money for medical expenses not covered by insurance. The HSA allows you to invest with TD Ameritrade, giving you a decent array of options (although I do wish automatic investment was an option).
We were able to setup automatic investing - it just has to be a mutual fund and you have to call in to have it setup. I think the Schwab index funds were the cheapest and you just have to pick the day(s) of the month for auto investing. :sharebeer
by vasaver
Sun Jul 31, 2022 8:05 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles
Replies: 848
Views: 51873

Re: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles

A Model 3 is not a luxury vehicle. It is just a Camry with an electric motor. They are almost identical in size inside and out. Some would argue that the Camry has an even better interior than a Tesla. You aren't saving money with a Tesla. You buy a Tesla because you want a Tesla, not to save money, which is why Tesla's are premium priced. The Camry is a bit larger. Isn't a Civic or Corolla closer in size to a Model 3? Actually, the interior dimensions are remarkably close...the Camry has 3 more cubic feet of space and almost 3 more inches of rear leg room, but otherwise they are quite similar. Model 3 has significantly more storage space. The Camry is 8 inches longer, but they have almost identical width, wheelbase and heights. The Coroll...
by vasaver
Sun Jul 31, 2022 6:52 pm
Forum: Personal Consumer Issues
Topic: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles
Replies: 848
Views: 51873

Re: Overall savings between Gas, Hybrid and EV vehicles

You aren't going to save money buying a Tesla EV. Teslas are premium priced cars and the people buying them aren't buying them for economy. They are buying them because the want a Tesla. The price difference between a Model 3 and an equivalent Camry is around $20,000. It's going to take a decade or more to make up $20,000 in maintenance and fuel expenses. But there are more economical EVs close to total cost parity with traditional cars and more coming to market every day. You might as well say "you aren't going to save money buying a BMW over a Camry". They aren't comparable vehicles, and you aren't buying any luxury vehicle if you view them as simply a way to move from point A to point B as economically as possible. A Model 3 i...